Curbed LA

CurbedWire: 56 Bev Park Sells for $21.75MM, Making Up For Sunset Junction's Demolished Gay Bookstore

2012-02-10T04:01:46Z

BEVERLY PARK: Hilton & Hyland sets an early benchmark for most expensive sale of 2012--broker Chad Rogers reports on his blog that a sale just closed on 56 Beverly Park, a crazy 2005 number that was listed back in May for $25 million. It sold for $21.75 million. Rogers repped the buyer, H&H's Jeffrey Hyland repped the seller. [Curbed Inbox/Chad Rogers Blog]

SILVER LAKE: The Silver Lake Neighborhood Council is considering asking developer Frost/Chaddock to make some tangible amends for surprise-demolishing a strip of shops in Sunset Junction (it plans to build apartments all over the neighborhood). The shops included A Different Light (Update: the former home of A Different Light), an early gay bookstore that locals were hoping to have designated as a landmark. A tipster sends in an agenda item requesting a community exhibition space in the new development and writes: "The following item was on a supplemental agenda for the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council Urban Design Commmittee, but got tabled because the partner organization rep couldn't attend. I think it deserves more public notice than this. It may appear on the next agenda."

]]> VI. Old Business:
Sunset Junction – 4000 Sunset Bl. / site of the demolished former “Diferent Light” Book Store:
Motion:
"In consideration of the willful destruction of a significant cultural resource, the former Different Light bookstore building, we ask that the 4000 Sunset project include a 1,000 square foot community exhibition space (the “Space”). The Space should be located on the ground floor level of the new building. If the transit plaza is created as planned on the current Jiffy Lube site, the Space should front on and be visible from the plaza. If the transit plaza falls through and the street configuration remains as is, the Space should front on and be visible from Santa Monica Boulevard.

We ask that the Space be made available rent free for a period of no fewer than 5 years and propose that it be operated by a non-profit organization that would partner with other organizations and groups to host various community events, exhibitions, and cultural activities that reflect the history, culture and diversity of the Silver Lake community. In many ways, the Space would rekindle the original spirit of A Different Light.

A potential non-profit sponsor for the Space is ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives. ONE is the world's largest LGBT archive and is housed at USC. ONE currently creates several gallery exhibitions each year at a satellite site in West Hollywood in partnership with community stakeholders and is interested in securing such an exhibition space."
Discussion & Possible Action. [Curbed Inbox]

LA Architects Making the World Better: Venice Firm Hits Distant Boardwalk, Will Make Over Atlantic City

2012-02-10T03:54:11Z

Click here to view the full photogallery.

Ok, this project may not necessarily be making the world better, but it is probably making it funner. Last year, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie decided Atlantic City needed an upgrade to step up its tourism (and gambling) game; now the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority has approved a master plan from Venice-based Jerde Partnership (working with real estate consultants Jones Lang LaSalle). According to a press release, the goal is to turn AC "into a clean, green and safe city that pays homage to its storied history, takes advantage of its unique island setting and offers a wide range of attractions and experiences for all ages."

]]> The ten-year plan includes "the revitalization of the entire length of the world famous Boardwalk," with an open air concert shell, a light show, and a "giant wind-driven sculpture" on the beach side and casinos and shops on the city side. The plan also imagines a Bourbon Street feel for Pacific Avenue and a "main street" makeover for Atlantic Avenue.

According to the release, "The long-term and ongoing initiatives in the plan are market-driven and will depend on Atlantic City reclaiming its reputation as a top resort destination in the U.S., the development of a robust economy, an increase of middle income residents and second homes and the evolution of non-gaming industries."
· Revitalize AC [Official Site]

Art-chitecture: Heat-Reactive Metal Opens Giant Flower in the Silver Lake Sun

2012-02-10T02:57:07Z

Click here to view the full photogallery.

Images by Scott Mayoral via M&A

Doris Kim Sung, a faculty member at the USC School of Architecture, has been working on some sweet new building science. Sung's first experiment with a material called thermobimetal has probably caught your eye if you've had the occasion to stumble down Silver Lake Boulevard since October--her "Bloom" installation is showing off the powers of thermobimetal at Materials & Applications as we speak. A press release from USC explains the material: "Commonly used for the coil in a thermostat, 'thermobimetal' is made of two sheets of metal laminated together. Each metal expands at a different rate when heated, curling as the temperature rises and flattening when cooled." The way Sung sees it, as quoted from the video below, there are two primary benefits of the material: "One is to show how the surface could be a sun shading device, and the second was for a ventilating purpose, so that in the event that you want hot air to escape from below, the surface would open up, and the hot air would actually rise up and move through the surface itself."

]]> That means automotatic shutters and automatic air circulation! Imagine the possibilities. No getting up off the couch to pull the shades! If a building automatically cools itself when it gets hot, that means there's less money spent and fewer resources used regulating the building's climate. Sung is working on such automatic shutters and "on bricks with tiny thermobimetal vents to let the breeze through, inspired by biological systems like insect spiracle and trachea system."

The "Bloom" installation at M&A is "A 20 foot tall shiny metal 'flower' who's skin will open and close with the heat of the sun." It required about 14,000 pieces of thermobimetal (since it's only made in small pieces) and will last through the spring.

· USC Architect First to Use Zero-Energy Building Material That Reacts Smartly to Sunlight [Archinect]
· Bloom [Materials & Applications]

GentrificationWatch: Poll: 7 Neighborhoods That Could Be the Next Highland Park

2012-02-10T01:59:32Z

Earlier this week, we learned that Echo Park and Highland Park are quibbling over whether the latter is the next former. But as many commenters pointed out, the Highland Park gentrification is already well on its way. So a better question is: What's the next Highland Park? Based on comments, we narrowed it down to seven neighborhoods (we excluded anything in Northeast LA because we figured they'll all get caught up in the HP rush). We gathered data on household incomes, ages, and four-year degrees from the LA Times's Mapping LA project and data on brunch availability from Yelp (this is a highly unscientific process, yes). And now we want you to vote on which neighborhood is the next HP. (And, as a commenter wisely said, "the real story here is that people are reinvesting in urban neighborhoods period.")

First, for comparison, the stats on Echo Park and Highland Park:

Echo Park
Median household income: $37,708
Median age: 30
Residents 25 and older who have a four-year degree: 18%
Number of brunch places: 12

Highland Park
Median household income: $45,478
Median age: 28
Residents 25 and older who have a four-year degree: 14.3%
Number of brunch places: 4

]]> And now the contenders:

East Hollywood
Pros: Sandwiched between Hollywood, Franklin Village, Los Feliz, and Silver Lake and all their amenities; home to Los Angeles City College
Cons: Mostly ugly housing options, largely dominated by Scientology and Kaiser
Median household income: $29,927
Median age: 31
Residents 25 and older who have a four-year degree: 13.4%
Number of brunch places: 5

Boyle Heights
Pros: Lots of historic LA cred, river and Downtown adjacent, on the Gold Line
Cons: High crime
Median household income: $33,235
Median age: 25
Residents 25 and older who have a four-year degree: 5%
Number of brunch places: 6

Lincoln Heights
Pros: In a historic preservation overlay zone and is chock full of old single family houses, already has proto-gentrifying Alta Lofts and Daly Lofts
Cons: The retail options are lacking, but then again, that's what gentrification is for
Median household income: $30,579
Median age: 27
Residents 25 and older who have a four-year degree: 5.5%
Number of brunch places: 1

Westlake
Pros: Metro station, Langer's, historic buildings
Cons: MacArthur Park freaks the heck out of middle class people (except when they're going to Langer's)
Median household income: $26,757
Median age: 27
Residents 25 and older who have a four-year degree: 12%
Number of brunch places: 14

Pico-Union
Pros: Close to Downtown, in a historic preservation overlay zone full of late nineteenth and early twentieth century houses, has Loyola Law School, pupuserias
Cons: Close to the LA Live part of Downtown
Median household income: $26,424
Median age: 27
Residents 25 and older who have a four-year degree: 6.7%
Number of brunch places: 5

Jefferson Park
Pros: In an HPOZ with lots of Craftsman bungalows, USC-adjacent, will be on the Expo Line if it ever opens
Cons: A couple commenters said there's a lack of yuppie-friendly retail in the area
Median household income: $32,654
Median age: 31
Residents 25 and older who have a four-year degree: 11.8%
Number of brunch places: 0

Mid-City
Pros: Multiple historic pockets, lots of retail and restaurant options
Cons: No big ones we can see, which is probably why it's already a little more gentrified than a lot of the other neighborhoods on the list
Median household income: $43,711
Median age: 31
Residents 25 and older who have a four-year degree: 16.8%
Number of brunch places: 16

· Is Highland Park the Next Echo Park? Two 'Hoods Debate [Curbed LA]

On the Market: Candy-Colored Gingerbread House in Westlake Built in 1899

2012-02-10T00:47:03Z

Click here to view the full photogallery.

Well, aren't you fancy, Madame Westlake House Built in 1899? This house has been in the same family since 1944, according to its listing, and has eight bedrooms, three and a quarter bathrooms and "3 apts -- possibly unpermitted," plus "historic light fixtures, both electric and original gas." It's asking $695,000 and already has a sale pending, but is also looking for backup offers.
· 826 South BURLINGTON Ave [Redfin]

Rose Bowling: Panel Suggests a Conservancy Oversee Rose Bowl, Arroyo

2012-02-09T23:26:57Z

A panel of experts from the Urban Land Institute thinks that maybe, just maybe, Pasadena's Central Arroyo and its biggest asset, the Rose Bowl, could be managed better. The ULI recently convened what they call a Governors Advisory Panel to make recommendations about how to leverage the ongoing renovations at the stadium--the Rose Bowl is in the middle of a $160 million renovation that is currently $20 million short. According to a press release from the ULI, the primary recommendation of the panel was that Pasadena take a page out of NYC's book and create a conservancy to manage the whole shebang: "The panel concluded that the most productive strategy for reviving the Central Arroyo area would be to establish a not-for-profit, professionally staffed conservancy to perform operational planning and management services. The group based its recommendation on the success of the Central Park Conservancy in New York City." According to Perlmutter, a Central Arroyo conservancy would "create a singular focus for the park's management, a clearinghouse for consistent policy and bottom line financial responsibility."

]]> The conservancy would help consolidate the various agencies that oversee its management and the surrounding Central Arroyo. The Glendale News-Press reports that the "Rose Bowl Operating Co., the Los Angeles County Flood Control District and Pasadena's Public Works Department" all have jurisdiction in the area. According to panel chair Richard Perlmutter: "You have as many agencies managing this arroyo as Washington D.C."

The ULI also made enough recommendations to fill the stadium, including:

-- Create a Rose Bowl marketing program and offer guided tours, private events, and a retail facility
-- Create tiered parking pricing in the Arroyo Seco for residents and visitors
-- Expand the park's clubhouse into a visitors center with retail and dining
-- Unpave part of the Arroyo Seco's concrete channel to create a natural stream bed, and convert some of the paved and grass parking lots into multi-purpose sports fields
· Maximize Communitywide Benefits of Rose Bowl and Central Arroyo by Creating Conservancy to Boost Use and Attract Investment, ULI Tells Pasadena Officials [ULI Press Release]
· New vision presented for Rose Bowl [Glendale News-Press]

Straightening the Echo Park Lake Lighthouse: Eastsider LA checks in on work...

2012-02-09T22:32:24Z

Eastsider LA checks in on work at the Echo Park Lake boathouse, which is getting a renovation separate from the big overhaul at the lake. The "80-year-old, Spanish Colonial building" has a 35 foot tall lighthouse that was, until recently, a bit tilty: "Not only did workers have to repair the tower’s historic features, including a copper collar and wood windows that had been covered with stucco, but they also had to straighten the tower, which was found to be leaning between two to three inches in the direction of the water." Work should finish up next month, but the boathouse won't reopen until the lake does next year. [Eastsider LA, image via]

New to Market: 1930s Modern in Los Feliz Has Hollywood Aspirations

2012-02-09T21:30:35Z

Click here to view the full photogallery.

Call the doctor, 'cause it sounds like this listing's got a bad case of Oscar fever! "This definitive 1939 Hollywood romance tells the story of today in a classic Moderne script with a contemporary twist. An unforgettable cast is the perfect mix of inspired deco roles balanced impeccably by the modern stars. The story unfolds in a step down living room with polished cork floors, exotic wood built-ins, & dining area. The plot heats up fast with an elegant fireplace that has sensual curves. A heart felt love scene out on the deck has meticulously crafted dramatic scenery featuring 180 degree views with Century City in the starring role. Daily life is beautifully depicted in a brilliantly lit kitchen with concrete counters & cozy breakfast area. You'll enjoy the dazzling special effects of--" All right, listing, that's enough--you got the part. Located in Franklin Hills, the two bedroom, 1.5 bath home was last sold in 1998 for $417,500; it's now asking $1.095 million.
· 3896 FRANKLIN Ave [Redfin]

Coming Attractions: The Polka Dotted Plan For Silver Lake's New Pedestrian Plaza

2012-02-09T20:53:28Z

One month from now, Silver Lake will officially have a pedestrian plaza--the greening of the little triangle between Sunset, Griffith Park Blvd., and Edgecliffe Dr. in Silver Lake is a go and set to open on March 4. The project, from the group Streets For People, extends an existing grassy triangle into the surrounding streets to create the Sunset Triangle Plaza. The draft plan seen above was designed by Frank Clementi of Rios Clementi Hale Studios (they're designing Downtown's Civic Park) and includes streets painted green with polka dots, potted planters (the circles at the edges of the plaza), and nine moveable (and green) tables, chairs, and umbrellas. According to a release from Streets For People, "the twice-weekly farmer’s market will continue to operate uninterrupted, additional parking spaces will be created along Sunset Blvd to accommodate for some of those lost, and all street furniture will be brought inside each evening to maintain its quality and cleanliness." The streets will be closed to auto traffic for at least the first year under a city pilot project.

]]>
· Part of Griffith Park Blvd. in Silver Lake to Become Public Plaza [Curbed LA]
· March 4 Opening of Sunset Triangle Plaza [Living Streets LA]

The New Tallest Skyscraper in the World: In the spitfire race to build...

2012-02-09T19:55:06Z

In the spitfire race to build the globe's tallest edifice, there's a new frontfronner: Azerbaijan Tower, a kilometer-tall structure that's set to break ground in the Republic of Azerbaijan. Rising 3,444 feet high and dwarfing the competition (Burj Khalifa, Kingdom Tower), the beast should be complete by 2019. Curbed National has staggering photos. [Curbed National]

Zoning Out: Studio City Gets New Rules to Prevent Giant, Ugly Mansions

2012-02-09T19:26:55Z

The LA City Council has approved an ordinance that allows Studio City to keep McMansions in check, beyond what the city's existing Baseline Mansionization Ordinance already does, reports the LA Daily News. The ordinance, which creates a Residential Floor Area Supplemental Use District for the area, passed through committee back in October--in effect, the new RFA limits the floor area ratios (the ratio of the house to its lot) for nearly 4,000 houses in this particular fancy corner of the Valley. The Studio City RFA is made possible by a provision in the citywide BMO, approved in 2008, that allows neighborhoods to expand the citywide regulations. The ordinance approved by the City Council has more exceptions to allow for larger FARs than earlier drafts. Here is how the City Attorney describes those exceptions: "The rewritten ordinance increases the number of available Bonus Options to nine...including the imposition of the following restrictions on a proposed building project: smaller stories above the first floor, step backs from the front yard, compliance with LEED green building standards, improved energy efficiency standards, inclusion of details such as windows to avoid plain walls, additional side yard setbacks, reduced height of buildings, higher pitched roofs, and restrictions on the placement of garages." Under the new RFA in Studio City, most properties will be limited to a maximum FAR of .40, but the exceptions allow for a FAR of up to .53.

]]> Mayor Villaraigosa still has to sign the ordinance, and according to aides, he is still "studying" it. The mayor has until February 21 to make his decision.

Not for nothing, but large houses have been in the news lately. The Metropolitan Research Center released a study a few days ago finding that the country has 40 million more houses than demand requires, and the Sustainable Cities Collective recently published an article citing declining home sizes as evidence of the end of the McMansion era in the United States.
· Council OKs neighborhood plan to restrict McMansions in Studio City [Daily News]
· Studio City Taking Anti-Mansionization A Step Further [Curbed LA]
· Studio City Residential Floor Area (RFA) / Supplemental Use District [Council File: 08-2332]

LA Getting Big Chunk of Mortgage Settlement: Government officials and five big banks...

2012-02-09T18:30:14Z

Government officials and five big banks have finally reached an agreement on "a $26 billion settlement that could provide relief to nearly two million current and former American homeowners harmed by the bursting of the housing bubble," reports the New York Times. According to the LA Times, California is set to receive the most money ("$12 billion in principal write-downs" with the potential for up to $18 million), with LA County getting $3.92 billion. [NYT, image via/LAT]

1600 at Artesia Square

2012-02-09T18:30:00Z

1600 at Artesia Square

Solar-Powered Town & Live/Work Homes in South Bay, from the low $400,000s

MBKHomes.com | (310) 327-0160

Morning Linkage: Coming Facebook Mansion Run, Darryl Hannah Lists in Malibu

2012-02-09T17:37:41Z

Image via Taste This Picture / Curbed LA flickr pool

· Poor NorCal buyers will have to compete with Facebook millionaires soon [NYT]
· Actor-vist Darryl Hannah selling hippieish compound in Malibu [CN]
· Ficus trees: terrible for sidewalks [LAO]
· Street artist Hanksy adds a little Tom Hanks to Banksy pieces [The Awl]
· WeHo planning comm. turns down condo request for 4 half-built units [WN]
· Dismantling Watch: Santa Monica's Lot 6 closes Monday [LN]

CurbedWire: Party at an Entourage House, South LA Wetlands Park Opening

2012-02-09T04:07:06Z

Click here to view the full photogallery.

THE INTERNET: A new website called Eventup launched yesterday--the Wall Street Journal describes it as "the Airbnb of event space." Anyone with a venue, from the Nokia Theatre to a discount store in Vermont Knolls, can list it on the site for event rental. That means you can have your birthday party in a ridiculous house you'd never buy (even if you had the cash), like the phallic pool house of Sunset Plaza, the Entourage house in Los Feliz, or the Lloyd Wright-designed Sowden House. [Curbed Inbox]

(OLD SCHOOL) SOUTH PARK: The city is holding a grand opening tomorrow for the nine-acre South Los Angeles Wetlands Park, which was once just a boring Metro bus yard. The park "replaces an existing blighted site with greenery from a combination of native trees, shrubs, marsh plants, and a myriad of flora and fauna." Phase II of the project will include a rail museum and community space. [Curbed Inbox]

PriceChopper: Beverly Crest House That Patty Duke Rented to Sharon Tate

2012-02-09T03:49:33Z

Click here to view the full photogallery.

Rock and roll lover Patty Duke owned this house on Summitridge Drive from 1966 to 1970, according to Paradise Leased--from the end of the Patty Duke Show era, through the classically awful Valley of the Dolls, and up to about the time of her divorce from Harry Falk. She wrote in her autobiography Call Me Anna: "It was a colonial mansion off Benedict Canyon in Beverly Hills, jutting out on its own precipice at the top of the mountain with a twelve-car parking lot, a four car garage and a 360-degree view of Los Angeles. Its nine rooms were big, bright and airy, with bay windows and fireplaces everywhere. Everyone who sees this house loves it; Sharon Tate later rented it for a while when she first got pregnant, and she and Roman Polanski wanted to buy it." According to the website Cielo Drive (which also has an old photo), Tate and Polanski settled instead for their infamous house on Cielo, where Tate was murdered in 1969.

]]> The Summitridge house was built in 1942 and has five bedrooms, six bathrooms, a pool, and terraces. It first came up for sale last year asking $6.5 million. After a couple months off the market, it's back at $5.395 million and is also up for rent at $30,000 a month.
· 1600 SUMMITRIDGE Dr [Redfin]
· Hilltop of the Dolls – The Patty Duke/Sharon Tate Residence [Paradise Leased]

Beaches: Fun Now Still Forbidden at LA County Beaches

2012-02-09T02:55:49Z

Updated 2/9: The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors just made it illegal to throw footballs and frisbees on the beach. Let that sink in. They also made it illegal to dig holes more than 18 inches deep, so the moat around your sand castle better be no more than 17 inches deep, or else. CBS Los Angeles reports that the Supes approved an ordinance that clarifies what beachgoers can and can't do--"The updated rules now prohibit 'any person to cast, toss, throw, kick or roll' any object other than a beach ball or volleyball 'upon or over any beach' between Memorial Day and Labor Day." The new rules will be in place at beaches "owned, controlled, or managed by the County," according to the ordinance. Exceptions are made for "predesignated areas," people with permits, and games of water polo played "in or over the Pacific Ocean." And you can still have fun at the beach in the winter because the rules won't be enforced in the off-season. Update: Actually, throwing a football or frisbee was already against the rules, although apparently no one on earth (or in LA) actually knew that. The new ordinance passed makes those activities legal for the first time in the off-season, according to County Supe Zev Yaroslavsky's website. The fine is $100 for the first offense, not $1,000--that hefty sum is reserved for serious offenses like "nudity, shooting weapons and swimming or surfing during hazardous conditions or in prohibited areas." Santos Kreimann, director of Beaches & Harbors, tells the site "We don’t ticket anybody for throwing a ball on the beach, as long as they’re doing it responsibly."
· LA County OKs $1,000 Fine For Throwing Football, Frisbee On Beaches [Curbed LA]

Long Beach Getting Healthy: Long Beach is the latest local...

2012-02-09T02:21:31Z

Long Beach is the latest local municipality to connect the dots between the built environment and the health of residents, reports the Long Beach Press-Telegram. The city council was set to introduce the Move Long Beach program yesterday; it's modeled on Michelle Obama's Let's Move! campaign and "was written to promote exercise and wholesome food choices, especially for children, by integrating the city's health-related physical activities into the mobility element of the general plan, create online health information resources and encourage the hosting of health-awareness events." LA County recently approved a Healthy Design Ordinance to achieve similar goals. [LBPT, image via]

Cool Infographic Thing: Live Action Downtown Infographic Shows How to Fix LA Traffic

2012-02-09T01:59:39Z

Back in December, we mentioned that GOOD was raising a team to go Downtown and create a human infographic about traffic. Et voila, here it is: a cute little video about how changing your ~~shirt~~ mode of transport can help make LA less gridlocky.

]]>
· Human Infographic! GOOD Attacks Traffic in Los Angeles [GOOD]

Forming East LA: East LA Cityhood Shot Down By County Panel

2012-02-09T01:32:24Z

And the latest bid for East LA cityhood is likely dead, as today the Local Agency Formation Commission voted down a proposed incorporation. The LA Times reports: "The panel, empowered by state law to oversee changes in local jurisdictional lines, voted 8 to 1 to disapprove incorporation after a staff report that concluded the proposed city would not be economically viable" (more on that staff report) A fiscal analysis released last fall said the new city would be down $17.6 million right off the bat. Proponents of cityhood had that they should have more time to find revenue streams for the city and that "residents should be allowed to vote on the proposal and whether new taxes should be imposed to make the proposed city more fiscally sound." They're now looking into other options, including a legal challenge.
· East L.A. cityhood plan rejected; advocates weigh options [LAT]
· East LA Cityhood Could Be Decided (and Rejected) This Wed. [Curbed LA]

Development Battles: Burbank Rancho Residents Prefer 50 Houses to 120 Condos

2012-02-09T00:56:47Z

Image via Burbank Leader

Burbank is still good for a little NIMBY-style resistance, as a would-be condo developer found out the hard way in recent months. Developer New Urban West submitted a proposal back in June for a 120 unit condo development on five acres along Riverside Drive in the Rancho area of Burbank. That sounds "New," "Urban," and "West," doesn't it? Well hold it right there because "Even before the Burbank City Council had an opportunity to review the project, residents took their case to City Hall, railing against the proposal at a neighborhood planning meeting in November," reports the Burbank Leader. The outcry was enough for the developer to go back to the drawing board and scale back the proposal to "70, 60 and, finally, 50 units" of single family houses. Tom Zanic, senior vice president at New Urban West, tells the BL that "By going to 50, we are able to make all of them detached, single family, traditional homes." And the new proposal sounds like a late twentieth century dream come true, with houses ranging from 1,600 to 2,000 square feet, and "most with two stories and two-car garages."

]]> The Rancho is known for its horsiness, but the proposed 50 lots won't be big enough to be "equestrian lots." Instead, the developer plans on partnering with stables "to offer one year of free stabling to the first 10 buyers."

The city will still have to approve the project, but Zanic promises that the current number of units is as low as New Urban West can go.
· Rancho gets new housing proposal [Burbank Leader]

LA Approves Water Rate Increase: The City Maven reports that the...

2012-02-08T23:49:42Z

The City Maven reports that the City Council has approved a water rate increase for LADWP customers. Sounds like the rate increase will be noticeable to your average water user in LA: "Right now, the Department of Water and Power’s average residential customer pays $40.30 per month for water. This is less than last year’s average monthly bill of $44.47 however, with this rate adjustment, monthly bills will increase to $45.91 in the next fiscal year." [City Maven]

Airports: Ontario Offering $250 Million Package In Exchange For Airport

2012-02-08T22:41:08Z

Ontario's bid to take control at LA/Ontario International Airport has been revealed, although the source of the potential money is still pretty mysterious. The city has been angling to take control of the struggling airport from Los Angeles World Airports, which also operates LAX. In January it came out that Ontario had offered LAWA $50 million for the transfer, but now the Daily Bulletin has more of the specifics of the proposal:

-- The package totals $250 million.
-- Ontario would get the title to the airport and operational control.
-- It'd also get "all financial obligations, outstanding debt and liabilities." Debt obligations are currently about $75 million.
-- The city would also "divert $125 million of ONT's future passenger facility charge to LAX." These are individual passenger fees that go toward FAA-approved projects (it's not clear if the FAA will allow this, though).
-- The city isn't saying yet where it'll get the money from. Councilmember Alan Wapner tells the paper "We have the money…It won't take away from the level of service or take away from the general fund."
-- Ontario also wants LAWA "to absorb 'employees back to the system'," as explained by Wapner. That would help drop the airport's cost per passenger.

]]> LAWA Executive Director Gina Marie Lindsey tells the Daily Bulletin that the $250 million price is way too low, considering LAWA spent $560 million improving LA/Ontario, sometimes at the expense of LAX. She says that "As for negotiations or terms of transfer, there are no further discussions," although "she would be happy to sit down with the city to discuss how to market the airport." Wapner says Ontario is now talking to the LA City Council, which has asked for a study on the potential transfer.
· Ontario offer for ONT totals $250 million [Daily Bulletin]
· Once LA Voters Learn LA Runs ONT, They Want It to Stop [Curbed LA]

PriceUpper: $99k Highland Park Flip Gets a Less Provocative Asking Price

2012-02-08T21:23:31Z

Now that the hype has died down and the taco party's over, the $99,000 Highland Park bungalow flip is getting real. The handsome flip, courtesy of flip team Extraordinary Real Estate, came on the market a couple weeks ago with a very clever $99k pricetag, "to let the buyers decide what they'd like to pay to prove a point," according to ERE's Matt Manner. The house has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fireplace, a clawfoot tub, and a detached studio/garage space. And now that it's had a little time to show itself off, the asking price has been raised to $549,000, or $347 per square foot.
· Provocatively Priced Bungalow Flip in Highland Park [Curbed LA]

HELP WANTED: We're Hiring a West Coast Sales Director

2012-02-08T21:00:00Z

Are you working your way through the Eater 38? Reading Racked obsessively for the latest sample sales? Or drooling over floorplans you saw on Curbed? If you have 5+ years of digital sales experience and strong relationships within the digital community, this could be the job for you. You'll sell our three titles—Curbed, Eater & Racked—to agencies and clients. Down the road, there will also be an opportunity to establish Curbed's first west coast office. Salary is competitive, and benefits include health care and a matched 401(k). Interested parties should email jobs@curbed.com.
· Jobs at Curbed Network [Curbed Network]

On Broadway: Behold the Original Clifton's Facade For First Time Since 1950s

2012-02-08T19:55:33Z

Pre-reveal pic via @viewfromaloft

The original facade of the Clifton's Brookdale Cafeteria on Broadway was unshackled today after more than 50 years spent behind metal grates. Warning: she's looking a little rough (KCET Food was livetweeting the unveiling and noted "Definitely NOT refurbished, as some thought yesterday"). Andrew Meieran of The Edison is giving the joint a post-gentrification rehab, adding an organic salad bar and a "mixology-oriented tiki bar," according to Eater LA. Clifford Clinton bought the lease at the Brookdale Caf in 1935 (it was originally a Boos Brothers Cafeteria) and its interiors were inspired by the area around the Brookdale Lodge in the Santa Cruz Mountains, according to the Clifton's website. Esotouric has photos of workers doing their thing up on the facade last night and reports from today's event that the terrazzo out front will be restored. The Clifton's revival is just one of the latest wins for Broadway, which is also getting an Ace Hotel, a Ross Dress for Less, and, one day, a streetcar.

]]>
Image via @KCETFood
· Clifton's Cafeteria Construction Commences Wednesday [Eater LA]

New to Market: 1930s Spanish in Glendale's Adams Hill

2012-02-08T18:57:57Z

Click here to view the full photogallery.

Built in 1930, this rambling Spanish-style home located high up in Glendale's Adams Hill district may be just a trifle frayed around the edges, or it could be seriously falling apart--the skimpy photo gallery makes it very hard to tell. But we sincerely hope it's the former, because going by what we can see, along with the listing description, it seems like the place could turn out to be quite a gem. Sited on a .4 acre lot, the five-bedroom, five-bath property features hardwood floors, beamed ceilings, original tile, two fireplaces, French doors, mountain views, a guest house, mature trees, and a three-car garage. Last sold in 2005 for $1.05 million, it's now asking $1.065 million.
· 724 PROSPECT Dr [Redfin]

Pushing Gold Into San Berdoo: Fun fact: the state law that...

2012-02-08T18:45:02Z

Fun fact: the state law that allowed for the Gold Line's next extension, from Azusa to Montclair (Pas to Azusa is already on its way), "limited it to Los Angeles County." So a Pomona assemblymember has introduced a bill that would allow the train to head into San Bernardino County and allow Metro to operate it there. Claremont's mayor notes that the move "gives the project a 'foot in the door' into San Bernardino County, making it easier to create an eventual linkup with LA/Ontario International Airport. [LAT]

Morning Linkage: Renaming the Crystal Cathedral, Filming at Lincoln Heights Jail

2012-02-08T17:27:31Z

Former Mayor Riordan looks for a job in 2001, with cameos from many notable LA personalities via LAObserved

· Diocese seeking new, more "Christological" name for Crystal Cathedral [OCR]
· Headphones on, San Pedro--Giant Voice alarm system testing this week [DB]
· Carwash sign fight in Baldwin Park [SGVT]
· Lincoln Heights jail is open for filming again [LAO]
· FBI investigating Koreatown Building & Safety inspector [LAT]
· South LA tuba theft epidemic hits Bell [SCPR]
· La Puente temporarily hires contractors to head planning, public works [SGVT]
· McDonald's highway-side ad made of CA Poppies, illegal to remove [Inhabitat]
· Echo Park project formerly known as The Durbin moving along [ELA]
· Matterhorn getting fresh new bobsleds [LAT]

CurbedWire: A Look Inside the Wilshire Blvd. Masonic Temple, Pugh Designing Inglewood's Crenshaw Line Stations

2012-02-08T04:06:04Z

MID-WILSHIRE: A tipster sends in these interior shots of the Scottish Rite Masonic Temple, which had been for sale but appears not to be for sale anymore (we still don't know what's up--anyone?). The temple was designed by Millard Sheets, who's known for his many lovely mid-century banks. One more shot after the jump. [Curbed Inbox]

INGLEWOOD: The Crenshaw Line is barreling right along and today Gwynne Pugh Urban Studio announced they'll be providing the urban design for the Inglewood stations: "GP-US is actively submitting urban design concepts for each of the stations that pass through the City of Inglewood, and will additionally provide plans that outline station design, desired land use, density, building height, massing, open space, parking, and circulation." They're also "Committed to creating a largely accessible landmark station that is successfully integrated into the existing fabric of the surrounding community." [Curbed Inbox]

]]>

Not Everyone Loves Moby's New Blog: Blogging about real estate isn't...

2012-02-08T03:33:54Z

Blogging about real estate isn't easy. The Eastsider LA takes a jab at Moby, the newest LA blogger on the scene--ELA takes the musician to task for using this Silver Lake bungalow photo to illustrate a post about a friend who recently purchased a $250K condo "in a pretty nice part of l.a." Moby says both are evidence that creative types can live in LA on the cheap, but Eastsider says finding a $250K home in Silver Lake is far from common and "according to Redfin, only three of the Silver Lake homes now on the market are priced below $250,000, and one of those is in escrow." [Eastsider LA/Moby.com, image via]

Listening to the City: Designer/artist/educator Alex Braidwood wanted to hear...

2012-02-08T03:23:13Z

Designer/artist/educator Alex Braidwood wanted to hear Los Angeles better, so he attached "two footlong copper tubes on a pair of professional grade headphones" and added "rubber stoppers that suction in and out - to add some mechanical rhythm." He tells KPCC: "I wanted it to be as visual as it was experiential…I wanted to peak people's curiosity enough that they would be interested in putting it on." He's working on an iPhone app. [SCPR, image via]

GentrificationWatch: Is Highland Park the Next Echo Park? Two 'Hoods Debate

2012-02-08T02:33:39Z

Practically since the first 22 year old white kid just out of Sarah Lawrence walked into Taix, neighborhood-watchers have wondered about "the next Echo Park," i.e. which neighborhood will gentrify next? Highland Park has been an early and frequent contender (the New York Times called it back in 2009 and it's even in a song)--it has a huge stock of cheap bungalows that have attracted scads of flippers, art and music scenes, and the yuppie-friendly York Boulevard strip. Plus, the course of gentrification in the last couple of decades seems to be moving generally eastward. Last week, the LA Weekly ran a story called "Why Highland Park Is the New Echo Park". The piece appears to have been edited since it went up, but here's the gist:

Guys with unwashed hair and paint on their jeans complain about how Echo Park is becoming too gentrified, too much like our now-grown-up neighbors in Silver Lake...Someone actually complained the Gold Room isn't "dangerous enough anymore."

]]> Eavesdropping on these often drunken conversations, one name keeps getting thrown around as a solution to the existential dilemmas of the ultra-hip. "I'm going to a house eviction party in Highland Park tonight." "That doom-surf-rock band Sandy Pussy is playing out in Highland Park tonight." Echo Park Patch picked up on the story and asked its readers if it's true--"Is Highland Park the new Echo Park?" To date, 51 percent have said it is.

Meanwhile, over on Highland Park Patch, editor David Fonseca says he doesn't like the idea that "Highland Park now provides a gritty urban playground for twenty-somethings who miss the days when living East of the Los Angeles River was a war story you could write home about." But he does admit that "As Echo Park's rents go up, Highland Park has undoubtedly become an attractive landing spot for the hip and young."
· Why Highland Park Is the New Echo Park [LAW]
· Poll: 57 Percent Say Highland Park Is NOT the New Echo Park [Echo Park Patch]
· Highland Park, Despite Changes, Is Not the New Echo Park [Highland Park Patch]

Westside Subway Extension: Metro on Bev Hills Tunnel Study: We Won't Build Unsafe Subway

2012-02-08T01:43:42Z

Metro responded today to a recent Beverly Hills-sponsored report that cast doubt on Metro's geologic data, which found that tunneling under Beverly Hills High School would be safe. Back story: Metro is studying a central Century City station for the Purple Line/Westside subway extension that would require digging under BHHS. Beverly Hills, and particularly its school district, is adamant against that route (they think it's dangerous and will preclude expansion of the school). Metro's geologic study, released in October, said the alternative, a stop on Santa Monica Blvd., is not realistic because an active earthquake fault runs under the street. So BH sponsored their own geologic study and released findings last week. It says that Metro's findings were flawed and that tunneling to Constellation and Avenue of the Stars is dangerous too. In a letter to Beverly Hills mayor Barry Brucker, released on The Source, Metro CEO Art Leahy says he will forward the BH report to his geologic team, which he reminds everyone is a group comprised of former and current USC and Caltech professors, as well as Dr. Lucy Jones of the US Geological Survey.

]]> Leahy gently questions the point in the BH report--conducted by consultancy Exponent--that references the danger of tunneling in a methane area. "It should be noted that the subway has operated for nearly 20 years in a methane gas area in downtown Los Angeles without incident," Leahy writes. "Congress lifted a federal funding ban on subway tunneling in the Westside in 2007 following a report from an independent task force finding that advances in subway tunneling in the past two decades has made tunneling safe in areas of methane and other gases."

Metro is complying with requests for information from Beverly Hills, Leahy writes, mentioning that the agency itself is waiting on word from the city's school district, which is also doing their own study: "We have also asked to visit the trenches on the Beverly Hills High School campus while they are open and are awaiting their approval."

Finally, Leahy writes that he looks forward to working with Beverly Hills and the school district when the subway's final environmental impact report is released (soon, hopefully). "I can assure you that MTA will not select an unsafe alternative for the subway." We can't tell if that's reassurance for Beverly Hills or friendly intimidation.
· Metro comments on Beverly Hills' report on tunneling safety for Westside Subway Extension [The Source]
· Westside Subway Extension Archives [Curbed LA]
· 90210's Way or the Highway Archives [Curbed LA]

New to Market: 1920s Three Bedroom in Franklin Hills Selling Short at $695K

2012-02-08T01:00:33Z

Click here to view the full photogallery.

Frequently, while perusing Redfin's "Most Popular" listings gallery, we'll find ourselves mystified by the presence of a particular property, with only a vague guess as to what factors may be causing its surge in popularity. Take this place for example -- it's not exactly charm-laden, nor is it all that big, so is it just the $399K price tag that's generating buzz? Possibly, but who knows? Other listings in this section cause little or no head-scratching, such as this appealing abode in Los Feliz's Franklin Hills section. Built in 1927, the 1,628 square foot residence features three bedrooms, two baths, hardwood floors, coved ceilings, built-in cabinets, a fireplace in the living room, basement with laundry, a large yard, city views, and detached, two-car garage. Per public records, it last changed hands for $990,000 in 2005 as part of a multi-property deal. It's now listed as a short sale with an asking price of $695,000.
· 622 N CLYBOURN Ave [Redfin]
· 3839 FRANKLIN Ave [Redfin]

Word on the Street: The Day the Music Died on the Streets of Universal City

2012-02-08T00:45:04Z

Inset via LAObserved

A helpful LAObserved reader has tipped off the public to some street name changes in Universal City that formerly honored the ridiculously brilliant musicians Patsy Cline, Buddy Holly, and Muddy Waters. Word play about about how "Crazy" the changes are and how time passes like a "Rollin' Stone" aside, here are the facts, according to LAO: "Buddy Holly Drive (really just Cahuenga Boulevard East) has become W.C. Fields Drive. Muddy Waters Dr. is now Bob Hope Ave. And Patsy Cline Dr. has been transformed into Donald* O'Connor Drive." Universal Music Group moved from Universal City to Santa Monica thirteen years ago. Meanwhile, we encourage you to take this opportunity to listen to "Crazy" and "Peggy Sue" for the millionth time in remembrance.
· Universal City deletes Buddy Holly, Muddy Waters and Patsy Cline [LA Observed]

Rendering Reveal: City Hall Grounds Getting Part-Grass, Part-Native Plants Look

2012-02-07T23:19:14Z

Click here to view the full photogallery.

The City Council approved a new landscaping plan today for the City Hall lawn and work is expected to start this week. Parks and Recreation had considered three options for the lawn (all-turf, all-native plantings, and a mix), and after community meetings settled on the "a little from Column A, a little from Column B" approach. Plans call for new turf on the lower third of the grounds, by First Street; new native plantings around the building and by First; and decomposed granite paths around the perimeter. The North Lawn will be completely de-turfed and replanted with low water use plants. According to the LA Times, native plantings include "succulents, salvias and California holly."

]]> Under the new setup, 51 percent of the grounds will be non-turf. The overhaul is projected to cost $390,000 with annual upkeep of $135,000 (an increase of about $50k per year).

The city decided to overhaul the all-turf lawn after it was damaged by the Occupy LA encampment, although the LAT now reports that "Parks officials said they were already considering making the park more sustainable when Occupy protesters set up hundreds of tents on the lawn last October."
· After Occupy L.A., City Hall lawn to get a California makeover [LAT]
· See the Greenness Levels in the 3 Plans For New City Hall Lawn [Curbed LA]
· PREFERRED OPTION [Restoration of City Hall Park]

From Curbed Marketplace: Possibly the Last Paul Williams House, For Sale For First Time

2012-02-07T22:24:25Z

Here now, From Curbed Marketplace, highlighting an intriguing real estate listing from the many thousands of properties found in the Curbed Marketplace. Browsing the Marketplace and spot a property worthy of being featured? Send it to the tipline.

Click here to view the full photogallery.

The listing for this house in Beverly Hills says this is its "First time on the market for sale and Mr. [Paul] Williams' last home he ever created" (it was built in 1971, the architect retired in 1973, so that's not outside the realm of possibility). According to the little plaque, it was designed for a Dr. and Mrs. B. Richard Jackson. The three-bedroom, three and a half-bedroom house comes with some Williams flair, a two-story foyer, "antique Italian chandeliers," a pool, a basement, and a grand/odd shower situation. It was originally listed in January asking $4.5 million and has already been chopped down to $3.995 million.
· 1070 Woodland Dr [Zillow]

Meet Hahn City Hall East: City Hall's adjunct building across Main...

2012-02-07T21:31:07Z

City Hall's adjunct building across Main St. has officially been renamed James K. Hahn City Hall East for the former mayor, former city attorney, and current superior court judge. The City Council unanimously passed the resolution today, with Councilmember Paul Koretz saying that "Without a doubt, [Hahn] is the most important mayor ever in the history of the great city of Los Angeles" because of his efforts to stop Valley secession in 2002. Mayor Villaraigosa, who ousted Hahn from the office in 2005, will not have to sign off on the resolution. [City Maven, image via]

Meanwhile, in the OC...: Secrets of Walt Disney's Secret Disneyland Apartment

2012-02-07T20:56:06Z

Fire Station image via JustDisney.com; Disney Family image via HuffPo

Hardcore Disneyland aficionados already know about the secret apartment above the fire station on Main Street USA where Walt Disney and his family used to hide out, but today the Huffington Post has an interview with Walt's daughter Diane Disney Miller, who reveals some of the secrets about the pad, which is still not open to the public. Even today, the apartment acts as a quiet little time capsule in the middle of all the capitalist extravagance: it's "decorated with antiques, cranberry red glass lampshades, vintage instruments and a grandfather clock. It still looks today as it did when Walt Disney kept it as his personal home inside Disneyland."

]]> Miller provides some fun anecdotes of the good old days when the family used the apartment:

-- "The decor, it was all little things that they picked up when they were traveling around the country various times, and it was decorated by Emile Kuri, who had decorated many of the films, including '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,' and it was lovingly done. It was really a very cozy, family place."

-- "...if there were special people in the park, mother and dad would go out and they would invite them up. Early, it was during 'Davy Crockett,' I remember there was some event there that day and Fess Parker and Buddy Ebsen were both out there for it, and dad was looking out that window and saw them and he said, 'Hey, come on up!'"

-- "...there was a fire pole in it, it's not there now, but there was a door into the closet area that had a fire pole, like the firemen would have, and he showed it to them and said, 'Why don't you guys slide down that?' And they did! People would say, did your father ever do that? I'm sure he didn't."

And one last fun fact: according to FindingMickey, "The lamp in the window is always on to show his spirit is always present!" A well-informed commenter on that Disneyland fan page points out that the light is turned off when Disney's daughters are in the park out of respect for their loss.
· Diane Disney Miller Remembers Dad: Walt's Secret Disneyland Apartment, His Passions & More [Huffington Post]
· Walt's Light [FindingMickey.com]

Fun With CEQA: A Field Guide to CEQA and Its Controversies

2012-02-07T19:45:34Z

We talk a lot about the California Environmental Quality Act around here (it's constantly the source of an anti-development lawsuit or a legislative exemption), but we don't often discuss the basics of the law and why it looms so large in California development. KCET takes a look at CEQA in its most recent entry in the Laws That Shaped LA series, and helps us answer some (not that) simple questions: what is CEQA, why do people hate it, and what's being done about its unintended consequences?

What it is: CEQA was signed into law in 1970 by Governor Ronald Reagan and "requires state and local agencies to identify the significant environmental impacts of their actions and to avoid or mitigate those impacts, if feasible," as explained by the website of the California Natural Resources Agency (and quoted by KCET).

]]> What's required: Under CEQA, most development projects (those "undertaken by a public agency, funded by a public agency or requires an issuance of a permit by a public agency," according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District) have to prepare some form of environmental report. That can take the form of a negative declaration, saying that the project wan't have significant environmental impact; but for large projects, it's usually an environmental impact report, a lengthy document that takes months to prepare and examines all potential environmental impacts (on air quality, traffic, aesthetics, etc.). CEQA-based lawsuits often challenge the thoroughness or accuracy of an EIR.

The problem: Public agencies are supposed to comply with CEQA, of course, but it can be "enforced, as necessary, by the public through litigation and the threat thereof." That allows individual affected citizens to stand up to big developers or harmful public projects, but it also allows rival developers, indiscriminate NIMBYs, and others to halt or slow development. As the Milken Institute's Kevin Klowden tells KCET: "It's just that it's so easy for a competitor or for somebody with some sort of rival interest to file that lawsuit and create delays and try and discourage the development and get more favorable terms or get bought off." KCET notes that the 710 would probably be cutting South Pas in half right now if not for CEQA and lawsuits against Metro rail lines are often brought via CEQA.

CEQA hotspot: Hollywood. The Chamber of Commerce there called for reform less than a year ago, citing hurdles thrown in the way of the Target, Emerson College, Blvd6200, and Old Spaghetti Factory projects. Interestingly, every single one of those projects has moved forward in the last year, so make of that what you will.

Attempts at reform: So far the most successful attempt to alter CEQA has come courtesy a big developer who wants to build a football stadium in Downtown. Yep, AEG lobbied for, and got, a CEQA lawsuit fasttrack for its proposed Farmers Field. Here's what happened: back in 2009, the legislature gave a CEQA exemption to a plan to bring a football stadium to Industry. So of course AEG sought a similar exemption when it started work on its Downtown football stadium. It ended up with a law that sends CEQA-based Farmers Field lawsuits directly to the state court of appeals and requires the court to rule with 175 days. That inspired a similar bill for any project that's meets certain environmentally-friendly requirements and is expected to cost more than $100 million.
· Laws That Shaped L.A.: How the California Environmental Quality Act Allows Anyone to Thwart Development [KCET]
· CEQA Archives [Curbed LA]

Trainwreck Real Estate: Don't worry, there is always some...

2012-02-07T18:48:23Z

Don't worry, there is always some Charlie Sheen real estate dramz somewhere in the world. The latest is over the Mulholland Estates house that Sheen picked up from Black Swan producer Mike Medavoy last April for $6.999999 million. His ex-wife Brooke Mueller's mom is now suing Sheen's real estate agent, saying he promised her 25 percent of his commission as a referral fee. [TMZ]

Morning Linkage: A Trump-Related Dodgers Bidder, People Sure Love Granite

2012-02-07T17:24:15Z

Metro station in Hollywood via Tom Andrews / Curbed LA flickr pool

· States sign foreclosure settlement, but California holding out [LAT]
· Jared Kushner among 9 Dodgers bidders to advance to round two [LAT]
· El Monte brining In-N-Out, another chain to vacant lot [SGVT]
· On homeowners and gotta-have-it granite [WP]
· Some of the reasons it takes so long to build a subway in the US [Salon]
· Parrot Watch: they love Calvary Preschool in South Pas [SCPR]

CurbedWire: New Kanner House in the Palisades, Clifton's Gets Unshackled

2012-02-07T03:37:35Z

Click here to view the full photogallery.

PACIFIC PALISADES: Kanner Architects sends along construction shots and renderings of their latest project, a 5,500 square foot single-family house in Pacific Palisades that's set to be finished this spring. According to a release, in order to fit the house into the previous house's footprint, "the 4-bedroom house was buried partially below grade with the first and second floors appearing as separate stacked volumes. The design incorporates stone cladding on the lower floor, creating the appearance of a sturdy plinth, which supports a more delicately sculpted upper floor." [Curbed Inbox]

DOWNTOWN: On Wednesday morning, the old Clifton's facade on Broadway will finally get to breathe free after years behind metal grates. The braces come off as the restaurant prepares for a big hipster rehab, courtesy the guy behind the Edison. [Curbed Inbox]

DevelopmentWatch: Culver City Creates New Expo-Adjacent Development in 5 Days

2012-02-07T03:04:32Z

Image of Expo Culver City station via Streetsblog LA

The Culver City city council closed a deal with a developer for a 5.2 acre site adjacent to the under-construction Expo Line station, just before the city's redevelopment agency--formerly guiding the sale--was dissolved by the state last week. The city put out a request for proposals on January 25 and finalized the deal five days later, the Los Angeles Wave reports. Lowe Enterprises beat out a handful of other developers by paying $23.8 million for the parcel and "willingness to build the agency’s preferred project," according to Community Development Director Sol Blumenfeld. Lowe must build "a mix of housing, office, retail and restaurant use surrounding a large central open space amenity and connect seamlessly with the new station and the emerging Washington National Transit Oriented Development District with public plazas, outdoor dining and a strong retail edge to encourage pedestrian activity." The project will have more than 1,500 parking spaces and a third of an acre of open space. This was not Culver City's only swift last minute deal made right before redevelopment agency death day.
· CULVER CITY COUNCIL ACTS FAST ON TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT SITE [The Wave]
· Expo Line Archives [Curbed LA]

Architects Dreaming: What if South Park Had a Big Park Across From Staples Center?

2012-02-07T02:31:10Z

Click here to view the full photogallery.

USC landscape architecture professor (and principal at Office of Outdoor Research) Alexander Robinson sent us these renderings from a graduate level studio he taught last year--he asked students to propose "a real civic park for South Park" on the surface parking lots that sit across Figueroa from the Staples Center. Besides a whole lot of turf on the proposed Farmers Field, South Park's greenest aspirations are for a 0.18-acre park on South Hope St. (although the new Convention Center plans do call for a greening of Gilbert Lindsay Plaza just south of Staples), so this is pretty wild and exciting stuff.
· Here Are the Designs For LA's Proposed New Convention Center [Curbed LA]

Rent Check: Little St. James Park Cottage Near USC Built in 1900

2012-02-07T01:53:55Z

Obscure USC housing fact: three students a year can rent rooms in Colonel John E. Stearns's old mansion just northeast of the school, on St. James Park. The house was built in 1900 and designed by architect John Parkinson, who collaborated on City Hall (the mansion is a city historic-cultural monument and has been used in filming Six Feet Under, House, and Usher's "In the Mix" video, according to its website). Also up for rent is the adjacent Colonel's Cottage, a little one-bedroom house also designed by Parkinson and finished in 1900. The 400 square foot house comes with one bathroom, built-ins, a breakfast nook, gated parking, and use of the three-quarters of an acre that make up the grounds. The lease doesn't start until August, but rent is $1,500 per month.
· $1500 / 1br - 400ft² - "DOLL'S HOUSE" COTTAGE ON A 3/4-ACRE ESTATE - WALK, BIKE TO USC (UNIVERSITY PARK - NORTH OF USC) [Craigslist]
· The Colonel's Cottage [Robinson Residences]

Zoning Out: Councilman Wants to Kill Spot Zoning in Southeast Long Beach

2012-02-07T01:19:08Z

The zoning fallout from the somewhat surprising failure of the second+pch megadevelopment in Long Beach in December marches on. At the Long Beach city council meeting tomorrow, Councilmember Patrick O'Donnell will present legislation to speed along the updating of the Southeast Area Development Improvement Plan, the zoning code for the area that includes the now-dead second+pch. The legislation would "set clear new parameters about the type of development that is allowed there and prevent exceptions, or spot zoning" and make it difficult (but not illegal) to approve any new or pending requests for amendments to SEADIP, like the ones made by the the failed $320 million project back in December, according to the Long Beach Press-Telegram. The new legislation would preclude any attempt to revive second+pch, even without the 12 story residential component that inspired the most resistance to the plan--that idea has already been bandied about by Councilmember Gary DeLong, who represents the project area.

]]> The future of the site and the new legislation are causing a stir between DeLong and O'Donell (so don’t expect hugs and high fives at tomorrow council meeting). DeLong tells the LBPT that he "was surprised and disappointed" when he heard about DeLong's new legislation, going on to add, "I'm sure we could have worked together, because I think at the end of the day we want the same thing, to move forward and revise SEADIP."

The council asked for a revision of the SEADIP immediately after it rejected second+pch on December 20. O'Donnell's proposal would allow developer Lyon Communities to loan the money for the study's "up to $1 million" pricetag--the city or local stakeholders would eventually pay them back. The Los Cerritos Wetlands Trust, which fought second+pch, has also said it would like to help.
· Long Beach Councilman wants zoning limits [Long Beach Press Telegram]
· Long Beach Council Kills Huge Second+PCH Mixed-Use Project [Curbed LA]

Greening of Van Nuys: Part of Tujunga Wash to Get Army Corps of Engineers Makeover

2012-02-06T23:56:35Z

Image of the Tujunga Wash south of Vanowen St viaDaily News

A stretch of the LA River's largest tributary, the Tujnga Wash, is starting a big makeover project today, as workers begin tearing up the dirt next to the wash on the stretch between Vanowen Street and Sherman Way in Van Nuys, reports the LA Daily News: "Within five months, native trees and shrubs will be growing there, alongside a meandering man-made stream, trails and benches." The goal is to attract both migratory birds and pedestrians. Most of the $3.4 million price tag for the 3,000 foot long project will be paid for by the Army Corps of Engineers--the Los Angeles County Flood Control District, which owns and operates the Wash, will pick up the rest of the tab. The current project will supplement the 2007 Tujunga Wash Greenway and Stream Restoration Project, which transformed the Wash south of Vanowen Street to Oxnard Street. That section uses water from Hansen Dam to recharge the groundwater table. According to the LADN, that project area still has problems with graffiti and trash.
· The greening of Tujunga Wash continues with next phase [Daily News]

PriceChopper: Laurel Canyon's Nuclear Film Studio Compound is Back

2012-02-06T23:21:49Z

Click here to view the full photogallery.

Well, well, if it isn't the Lookout Mountain Laboratory. In the 1940s, this Laurel Canyon compound served as headquarters for a secret corp of filmmakers who documented nuclear explosions for the US military. Featuring eight bedrooms, twelve baths, several galleries, a theater, soundstage, and "free form pool and waterfall," the 1.4 acre property came onto the market for $6.3 million back in September 2010 (shortly after its history was declassified). Since then, according to Redfin, the Wonderland Avenue compound has had two pending sales, but for whatever reason hasn't closed the deal. It's now been relisted at $5.75 million.
· 8935 WONDERLAND Ave [Redfin]
· The Military's Nuclear Bomb Motion Picture Studio in the Hollywood Hills [Curbed LA]